How to add water plants to a small pond?

[J-P]

I have a small area that got boxed in front yard. I planned to put some water plants in it. So applied concrete (after lining the sleepers with thick builders plastic on the sides and bottom and then waterproofed it with https://www.bunnings.com.au/_p0356890?referrer=RetailApp&utm_source=Bunnings&utm_medium=ProductFinde.... Two coats.

The area is 1M x 30 cm x 40 cm. I let sit for one week as noted (misread it first and applied little water and layer came off at bottom. Then made it dry and applied another coat to bottom) and then filled it with water last evening and it is almost empty now. What else can I do to get back on plan and put water plants here?

 

Appreciate your expert inputs.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @J-P,

To get back on track, we need to determine how the water is leaking out. There's likely a crack or hole that the sealer hasn't been able to cover. You'll need to drain the area and wait for it to dry out completely. If there are any larger cracks or holes, you'd need to fill them before re-coating with more of the sealer. Filling cracks and holes might only require additional layers of sealer to build up those areas.

Once you have drained and dried the area, post detailed photos showing all corners of the pond, we might be able to identify any areas of concern. If there isn't any obvious area where the water could be escaping, the best course of action will probably be applying additional layers of sealer until the leak stops.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[J-P]

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

    

@MitchellMc - I left it overnight and could see the water drained further from bottom side in the picture. Yesterday was a cool day. At this point I believe the leak is probably from bottom since water still is reducing. Here are photos from various areas 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @J-P,

I notice the bottom is a brown colour and the sides black. Is this just soil/sediment collected in the bottom that is on top of your black sealer?

I'd suggest continuing the draining process, removing any sediment in the bottom, drying the area thoroughly (which includes waiting up to a week) and then recoating the entire enclosure, including the bottom and sides.

Mitchell